TOP TEN Coping Strategies: Discipline Techniques for Your ADHD Child

Feeling overwhelmed by your child’s struggles with homework, chores, and sibling dynamics? You’re not alone. Many parents dealing with ADD/ADHD feel frustrated and unsure. Fortunately, there are plenty of support options and strategies to help you bring some order and calm back into your home.

Clinical Psychologist Michele Carelse, with her extensive experience in helping children and parents manage ADD/ADHD, offers practical advice to restore balance and peace in your family life.

1. Embrace Consistency and Routine

Children with ADHD benefit greatly from routine. Keeping to a consistent daily schedule helps them feel more secure and allows them to focus their limited attention better. Establish a regular bedtime routine and try to minimise changes. Ensure family relationships are stable, as conflicts can intensify ADHD symptoms.

Be consistent with discipline. Avoid letting your child “get away” with things due to your own tiredness. Instead of physical punishment or shouting, use a clear system of rewards and consequences. Avoid negative remarks that could harm your child’s self-esteem.

2. Limit Screen Time

Set limits on TV and video game use. Aim for no TV on school nights and restrict screen time to two hours over weekends. Excessive screen time can affect concentration and reading skills.

3. Teach Social Skills

Younger ADHD children may have to be taught social skills more carefully than the average child. Most children learn about social cues and messages almost automatically. Children who are impulsive or have difficulty paying attention often misinterpret social cues. They may snatch toys, push in front of other children or interfere with their games. They may be labelled selfish or called bullies. Try and be patient and explain to them what the right thing to do is, rather than shouting at them. Say "Johnny felt cross with you because he was busy with a puzzle and then you tried to do it for him. Try and find one to do by yourself" or "People sometimes feel funny if we stand very close to them. We each have our own space that we like to keep. Pretend that you have a hula hoop around you and don't get closer than the hula hoop space!"

4. Communicate Clearly

Make sure your child is paying attention before giving instructions. Speak directly, make eye contact, and give one instruction at a time. For example, instead of saying, “Go to your room, get undressed, and do your homework,” simplify it to, “Please go to your room now.”

5. Use Memory Aids

Help older children with memory by using checklists and prompts. Create a list of items they need before leaving for school and implement a reward system to encourage their use.

6. Stay in Touch with Teachers

Communicate regularly with your child’s teachers to stay informed about their progress and any challenges they face. Smaller class sizes and supportive teachers can make a significant difference for children with ADHD.

7. Play Concentration-Boosting Games

Engage in games that improve focus and memory. The Alphabet Game and Shopping List Game are enjoyable ways to boost concentration. Visual memory games, like briefly showing pictures and then recalling them, are also beneficial.

8. Explore Treatment Options

"Consider alternatives to strong prescription drugs and inform yourself about the side effects in the long and the short term. Some children respond very well to homeopathic remedies for ADHD. I have formulated a homeopathic remedy called 'BrightSpark' which I have used for years in my practice and which has helped many children, especially if the above guidelines are also followed. We also use a 100% herbal remedy called Focus ADHD Formula which addresses all the major symptoms of ADHD without the risk of dependence or any of the major side effects associated with some prescription drugs." - Michele Carelse

Find out more about how our 100% natural and trusted solutions - BrightSpark and Focus & Calm can help your child.

9. Prioritise Diet and Exercise

A balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial. They not only support overall health but also help manage ADHD symptoms, leading to improved behaviour both at home and school.

10. Focus on Positive Reinforcement

Highlight your child’s strengths and achievements. Regularly express love and admiration, and spend quality time together. Positive affirmations and hugs can significantly boost their confidence and reinforce good behaviour.

If you have any health-related questions, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE advice. We always love hearing from you!